A Ray County Drug Court graduation celebrated more than the completion of a court program. It recognized the hard work, accountability and determination required to build a new life.

Jenna Fisher was one of two participants to graduate during the program’s 43rd graduation ceremony, bringing the total number of graduates to 205 since the program began in 2005. The second graduate requested privacy and is therefore not being identified by the newspaper.

Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kevin Walden explained Ray County’s Drug Court is designed to address substance use disorders through treatment rather than punishment. The multidisciplinary program brings together the court, probation officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement and treatment providers to develop individualized plans for each participant. Before every court session, the team meets to discuss each participant’s progress, challenges and treatment needs before determining the most appropriate course of action.